公开(公告)号：US08093624B1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-10

申请号：US11354799

申请日：2006-02-15

申请人： Matthew J. Renzi ,  Brian F. Aull ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Bernard B. Kosicki

发明人： Matthew J. Renzi ,  Brian F. Aull ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Bernard B. Kosicki

IPC分类号： H01L31/107

CPC分类号： H01L31/107 ,  H01L27/1446

摘要： A photodiode is provided by the invention, including an n-type active region and a p-type active region. A first one of the n-type and p-type active regions is disposed in a semiconductor substrate at a first substrate surface. A second one of the n-type and p-type active regions includes a high-field zone disposed beneath the first one of the active regions at a first depth in the substrate, a mid-field zone disposed laterally outward of the first active region at a second depth in the substrate greater than the first depth, and a step zone connecting the high-field zone and the mid-field zone in the substrate.

摘要翻译： 本发明提供一种光电二极管，包括n型有源区和p型有源区。 n型和p型有源区中的第一种被设置在第一衬底表面的半导体衬底中。 n型和p型有源区中的第二个包括设置在衬底中的第一深度处的第一有源区下面的高场区，设置在第一有源区的横向外侧的中场区 在大于第一深度的衬底中的第二深度处，以及连接衬底中的高场区和中场区的阶段区。

公开(公告)号：US07920261B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-05

申请号：US12029300

申请日：2008-02-11

申请人： Thomas H. Jeys ,  Antonio Sanchez-Rubio ,  Richard J. Molnar ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Jinendra K. Ranka ,  David L. Spears ,  Richard M. Osgood, III

发明人： Thomas H. Jeys ,  Antonio Sanchez-Rubio ,  Richard J. Molnar ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Jinendra K. Ranka ,  David L. Spears ,  Richard M. Osgood, III

IPC分类号： G01N21/00

CPC分类号： G01N15/1434 ,  G01N15/1425 ,  G01N15/1459 ,  G01N2015/025 ,  G01N2015/1075 ,  G01N2015/145

摘要： A particle detection system that images and detects particles in a fluid flow stream through use of detector array(s) is described. The detection system may include light source arrays that may selectively illuminate a particle in a fluid stream. The detection system may also include a detector array employing smart binning to read the measured signals. The smart binning of the detector array may be achieved through knowledge of an exact particle location provided by a position sensitive detector. The detector array(s) may be low cost based on intelligence built into the system. This particle detection system may be particularly useful for detection and discrimination of different particle types since the read-out of the particle signals can be accomplished with low noise and can be flexible enough to optimize the read out measurements for each particle. The particle detection system may be used, for example, in early warning contamination detection systems and manufacturing processes.

摘要翻译： 描述了通过使用检测器阵列对流体流中的颗粒进行成像和检测的颗粒检测系统。 检测系统可以包括可以选择性地照射流体流中的颗粒的光源阵列。 检测系统还可以包括采用智能合并来读取测量信号的检测器阵列。 可以通过了解由位置敏感检测器提供的精确粒子位置来实现检测器阵列的智能合并。 基于内置于系统中的智能，检测器阵列可以是低成本的。 该粒子检测系统可能特别适用于不同粒子类型的检测和鉴别，因为可以以低噪声实现粒子信号的读出，并且可以足够灵活以优化每个粒子的读出测量。 粒子检测系统可以用于例如早期预警污染检测系统和制造过程。

公开(公告)号：US07173294B1

公开(公告)日：2007-02-06

申请号：US11005515

申请日：2004-12-06

申请人： Barry E. Burke ,  Robert K. Reich

发明人： Barry E. Burke ,  Robert K. Reich

IPC分类号： H01L27/148

CPC分类号： H01L27/14806 ,  H01L27/14656 ,  H01L29/76833

摘要： The CCD image sensor addresses the problem of noise, due to background charge generated by Compton scattering of gamma rays. In applications, in which an imager must operate in a high-radiation environment, such background noise reduces the video signal/noise. This imager reduces the amount of charge collected from Compton events, while giving up very little sensitivity to photons in the visible/near IR.

摘要翻译： 由于伽马射线的康普顿散射产生的背景电荷，CCD图像传感器解决了噪声问题。 在其中成像器必须在高辐射环境中工作的应用中，这种背景噪声降低了视频信号/噪声。 该成像仪减少了从康普顿事件收集的电荷量，同时放弃对可见/近红外光子的敏感度很小。

公开(公告)号：US5880777A

公开(公告)日：1999-03-09

申请号：US632746

申请日：1996-04-15

申请人： Eugene D. Savoye ,  Allen M. Waxman ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Barry E. Burke ,  James A. Gregory ,  William H. McGonagle ,  Andrew H. Loomis ,  Bernard B. Kosicki ,  Robert W. Mountain ,  Alan N. Gove ,  David A. Fay ,  James E. Carrick

发明人： Eugene D. Savoye ,  Allen M. Waxman ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Barry E. Burke ,  James A. Gregory ,  William H. McGonagle ,  Andrew H. Loomis ,  Bernard B. Kosicki ,  Robert W. Mountain ,  Alan N. Gove ,  David A. Fay ,  James E. Carrick

IPC分类号： H01L27/148 ,  H04N5/20 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/351 ,  H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/372 ,  H04N5/225

CPC分类号： H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/20 ,  H04N5/3696

摘要： An imaging system is provided for imaging a scene to produce a sequence of image frames of the scene at a frame rate, R, of at least about 25 image frames per second. The system includes an optical input port, a charge-coupled imaging device, an analog signal processor, and an analog-to-digital processor (A/D). The A/D digitizes the amplified pixel signal to produce a digital image signal formatted as a sequence of image frames each of a plurality of digital pixel values and having a dynamic range of digital pixel values represented by a number of digital bits, B, where B is greater than 8. A digital image processor is provided for processing digital pixel values in the sequence of image frames to produce an output image frame sequence at the frame rate, R, representative of the imaged scene, with a latency of no more than about 1/R and a dynamic range of image frame pixel values represented by a number of digital bits, D, where D is less than B. The output image frame sequence is characterized by noise-limited resolution of at least a minimum number, N.sub.M, of line pairs per millimeter, referred to the charge-coupled imaging device pixel array, in an imaged scene as a function of illuminance of the input light impinging the charge-coupled imaging device pixels.

摘要翻译： 提供一种成像系统，用于对场景进行成像，以每秒至少约25幅图像帧的帧速率R产生场景的图像序列序列。 该系统包括光输入端口，电荷耦合成像装置，模拟信号处理器和模数转换器（A / D）。 A / D数字化放大的像素信号以产生格式化为多个数字像素值中的每一个的一系列图像帧并且具有由多个数字位B表示的数字像素值的动态范围的数字图像信号，其中 B大于8.提供数字图像处理器用于处理图像帧序列中的数字像素值以产生代表成像场景的帧速率R的输出图像帧序列，等待时间不超过 约1 / R和由数字比特数D表示的图像帧像素值的动态范围，其中D小于B.输出图像帧序列的特征在于噪声限制分辨率至少最小数目NM 被称为电荷耦合成像装置像素阵列的线对每毫米在成像场景中作为照射电荷耦合成像装置像素的输入光的照度的函数。

公开(公告)号：US08324554B2

公开(公告)日：2012-12-04

申请号：US12730037

申请日：2010-03-23

申请人： David C. Shaver ,  Bernard B. Kosicki ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Dennis D Rathman ,  Daniel R. Schuette ,  Brian F. Aull

发明人： David C. Shaver ,  Bernard B. Kosicki ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Dennis D Rathman ,  Daniel R. Schuette ,  Brian F. Aull

IPC分类号： H01L31/00

CPC分类号： H04N5/378 ,  H01L31/107 ,  H01L31/18 ,  H04N5/355 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/37213

摘要： Embodiments of the present invention include an electron counter with a charge-coupled device (CCD) register configured to transfer electrons to a Geiger-mode avalanche diode (GM-AD) array operably coupled to the output of the CCD register. At high charge levels, a nondestructive amplifier senses the charge at the CCD register output to provide an analog indication of the charge. At low charge levels, noiseless charge splitters or meters divide the charge into single-electron packets, each of which is detected by a GM-AD that provides a digital output indicating whether an electron is present. Example electron counters are particularly well suited for counting photoelectrons generated by large-format, high-speed imaging arrays because they operate with high dynamic range and high sensitivity. As a result, they can be used to image scenes over a wide range of light levels.

摘要翻译： 本发明的实施例包括具有电荷耦合器件（CCD）寄存器的电子计数器，其被配置为将电子转移到可操作地耦合到CCD寄存器的输出的盖革模式雪崩二极管（GM-AD）阵列。 在高电荷电平下，非破坏性放大器检测CCD寄存器输出端的电荷，以提供电荷的模拟指示。 在低电荷水平下，无噪声的电荷分离器或仪表将电荷分成单电子分组，每个分组由GM-AD检测，提供数字输出，指示电子是否存在。 示例电子计数器特别适用于计数由大格式高速成像阵列产生的光电子，因为它们具有高动态范围和高灵敏度。 因此，它们可以用于在各种各样的光照范围内拍摄场景。

公开(公告)号：US20110235771A1

公开(公告)日：2011-09-29

申请号：US12730048

申请日：2010-03-23

申请人： Brian F. Aull ,  Matthew J. Renzi ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Daniel R. Schuette

发明人： Brian F. Aull ,  Matthew J. Renzi ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Daniel R. Schuette

IPC分类号： H03K21/40 ,  G01F15/06

CPC分类号： H04N5/37455 ,  H04N5/355

摘要： Embodiments of the present invention include complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) readout architectures for photon-counting arrays with a photon-counting detector, a digital counter, and an overflow bit in each of the sensing elements in the array. Typically, the photon-counting detector is a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (APD) that emits brief pulses every time it detects a photon. The pulse increments the digital counters, which, in turn, sets the overflow bit once it reaches a given count. A rolling readout system operably coupled to each sensing element polls the overflow bit, and, if the overflow bit is high, initiates a data transfer from the overflow bit to a frame store. Compared to other photo-counting imagers, photon-counting imagers with counters and overflow bits operate with decreased transfer bandwidth, high dynamic range, and fine spatial resolution.

摘要翻译： 本发明的实施例包括用于具有光子计数检测器的光子计数阵列的互补金属氧化物半导体（CMOS）读出结构，阵列中每个感测元件中的数字计数器和溢出位。 通常，光子计数检测器是Geiger模式雪崩光电二极管（APD），每次检测到光子时都会发出短脉冲。 脉冲递增数字计数器，一旦它达到给定的计数，这又会设置溢出位。 可操作地耦合到每个感测元件的滚动读出系统轮询溢出位，并且如果溢出位为高，则启动从溢出位到帧存储的数据传送。 与其他光计数成像仪相比，具有计数器和溢出位的光子计数成像器可以减少传输带宽，高动态范围和精细的空间分辨率。

公开(公告)号：US07858917B2

公开(公告)日：2010-12-28

申请号：US10836896

申请日：2004-04-30

申请人： Alvin Stern ,  Brian F. Aull ,  Bernard B. Kosicki ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Bradley J. Felton ,  David C. Shaver ,  Andrew H. Loomis ,  Douglas J. Young

发明人： Alvin Stern ,  Brian F. Aull ,  Bernard B. Kosicki ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Bradley J. Felton ,  David C. Shaver ,  Andrew H. Loomis ,  Douglas J. Young

IPC分类号： G01J1/44 ,  H01J40/14 ,  H03F3/08

CPC分类号： G01T1/2928

摘要： A photon-counting Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode intensity imaging array includes an array of pixels, each having an avalanche photodiode. A pixel senses an avalanche event and stores, in response to the sensed avalanche event, a single bit digital value therein. An array of accumulators are provided such that each accumulator is associated with a pixel. A row decoder circuit addresses a pixel row within the array of pixels. A bit sensing circuit converts a precharged capacitance into a digital value during read operations.

摘要翻译： 光子计数盖革模式雪崩光电二极管强度成像阵列包括每个具有雪崩光电二极管的像素阵列。 一个像素感测到雪崩事件，并响应于感测到的雪崩事件存储其中的一位数字值。 提供了一组累加器，使得每个累加器与像素相关联。 行解码器电路寻址像素阵列内的像素行。 在读取操作期间，位感测电路将预充电电容转换为数字值。

公开(公告)号：US20100053614A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-04

申请号：US12029300

申请日：2008-02-11

申请人： Thomas H. Jeys ,  Antonio Sanchez-Rubio ,  Richard J. Molnar ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Jinendra K. Ranka ,  David L. Spears ,  Richard M. Osgood, III

发明人： Thomas H. Jeys ,  Antonio Sanchez-Rubio ,  Richard J. Molnar ,  Robert K. Reich ,  Jinendra K. Ranka ,  David L. Spears ,  Richard M. Osgood, III

IPC分类号： G01N21/47 ,  G01N21/85

CPC分类号： G01N15/1434 ,  G01N15/1425 ,  G01N15/1459 ,  G01N2015/025 ,  G01N2015/1075 ,  G01N2015/145

摘要： A particle detection system that images and detects particles in a fluid flow stream through use of detector array(s) is described. The detection system may include light source arrays that may selectively illuminate a particle in a fluid stream. The detection system may also include a detector array employing smart binning to read the measured signals. The smart binning of the detector array may be achieved through knowledge of an exact particle location provided by a position sensitive detector. The detector array(s) may be low cost based on intelligence built into the system. This particle detection system may be particularly useful for detection and discrimination of different particle types since the read-out of the particle signals can be accomplished with low noise and can be flexible enough to optimize the read out measurements for each particle. The particle detection system may be used, for example, in early warning contamination detection systems and manufacturing processes.

摘要翻译： 描述了通过使用检测器阵列对流体流中的颗粒进行成像和检测的颗粒检测系统。 检测系统可以包括可以选择性地照射流体流中的颗粒的光源阵列。 检测系统还可以包括采用智能合并来读取测量信号的检测器阵列。 可以通过了解由位置敏感检测器提供的精确粒子位置来实现检测器阵列的智能合并。 基于内置于系统中的智能，检测器阵列可以是低成本的。 该粒子检测系统可能特别适用于不同粒子类型的检测和鉴别，因为可以以低噪声实现粒子信号的读出，并且可以足够灵活以优化每个粒子的读出测量。 粒子检测系统可以用于例如早期预警污染检测系统和制造过程。